Chronic pain can be isolating, confusing, and exhausting. When an ankle injury lingered far longer than it should have, I found myself on a path I hadn’t anticipated: a diagnosis I didn’t fully understand, and a treatment plan that almost seemed to push me toward pills rather than relief. This is the story of how I navigated that path, discovered Calmare/Scrambler Therapy, and found a route back to living life without the constant shadow of pain and illness.

The Beginning: An Injury That Didn’t Heal

I initially injured my ankle figuring that it would recover like most minor injuries do. A month passed, it started to get better, but then I re-injured it. Months passed, and despite immobilization, extensive tests, and countless medical opinions, there was no clear problem that explained the persistent pain. The lack of answers left me feeling frustrated and uncertain about the road ahead. I was even forced to take time off work because I could no longer perform my daily work functions.

For three long months, I struggled and searched for non-pharmaceutical options. I kept hoping for improvement, but instead it seemed to get worse. The medical team pursued the usual routes—imaging, tests, PT, immobilization—but the results remained inconclusive.

The Moment of Clarity: The CRPS Diagnosis

In early 2025, after a prolonged struggle with the foot injury, I begrudgingly went to a physical therapist (PT) even though I could barely walk or drive. I assumed it would be a waste of time, but within 5 minutes of sitting down with the PT and answering a few questions, he told me what he suspected, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS for short. He was able to diagnose it based upon something called the Budapest Criteria.

I had never heard of that word before so I had no idea what it was or how serious it could be. So what is it? CRPS is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can follow an injury and cause ongoing, amplified pain, changes in skin color and temperature, swelling, and functional impairment. It does not present the same for everyone and most traditional doctors know little to nothing about it.

Well that sounded pretty awful so I immediately explored treatment options. What stood out most was the realization that the conventional approach of “more meds” or invasive surgeries and procedures with only minimal results wasn’t appealing to me. I could sense a better path—one that emphasized healing, empowerment, and evidence-based options without such invasiveness on the body.

Exploring Alternatives: A Crucial Shift in Perspective

My doctor’s default response was to pursue medication initially. That was followed by discussions about injections, implants and spinal cord stimulations. I knew that path could carry risks and might not address the underlying issues causing the pain.

I sought alternatives, driven by a belief that there must be options that could restore function and reduce pain without becoming a lifelong medication routine. A pivotal moment came while researching treatment options: Calmare/Scrambler Therapy. I learned it was being used for CRPS with encouraging outcomes in some patients. In fact, I was lucky enough to connect with a patient head to a provider for treatment and I followed her successful journey which was so encouraging to me!

From my research, I discovered that Calmare/Scrambler Therapy is designed to recalibrate nerve signaling and modulate pain perception, providing a non-opioid approach to chronic pain management. It wasn’t a guaranteed cure, but it offered a compelling possibility to regain quality of life. To learn more about what to expect from the treatment process, read more here.

Finding the Right Provider: A Lucky Break

Calmare/Scrambler Therapy isn’t widely available everywhere, and not every clinic has the experience or equipment necessary to deliver consistent results. I was fortunate to find a provider close to home—someone with a long track record of treating CRPS patients and with extensive hands-on experience. The clinician I trusted was Dr. Damon Orlando in Los Angeles, California. His expertise and compassionate approach made a profound difference for me personally.

Testimony of the experience:

“I can’t say enough good things about the care I have received from Dr. Orlando. He is highly experienced, he offers a lot of different non-invasive therapies to get you well and he has treated tons of CRPS patients so he really knows what he is doing. He is a hidden gem for our CRPS community, tucked away in LA. I highly recommend Dr. Orlando if you are looking for compassionate care and a doctor who will remember who you are each time!”

With Dr. Orlando, I felt seen, heard, and hopeful. He explained the process, listened to my concerns, and crafted a plan tailored to my needs. His approach wasn’t just about applying a treatment—it was about guiding me through a journey back to my life again. He taught me how to be able to still enjoy my life within the limitations of my disease.

The Calmare/Scrambler Therapy Experience

I arrived at the office on crutches, heading toward a wheelchair—feeling defeated and uncertain about my future. Within a week, I was back on my feet, ditching the crutches, and starting to reclaim my life again. After completing the final week of therapy, I felt a renewed sense of normalcy and capability. It has been a long road to recovery and I have needed more therapy as a result of injuries. But I now have the confidence to live without the constant fear of the next “accident” or flare-up. Do I still need boosters now and then, absolutely, but the fear and the daily powerlessness are no longer there!

Calmare/Scrambler Therapy helped rewire pain signaling in a way that allowed my nervous system to reset and function more like it did before the injury. It wasn’t a single-lightning-fast miracle, but a steady recovery that rebuilt confidence, mobility, and daily enjoyment. The continuous, consistent therapy over time has created a much more permanent result for me.

The Aftermath: Living, Not Lingering

The therapy didn’t erase every trace of discomfort, but it transformed the experience from chronic, debilitating pain to manageable, controllable pain with a real path to living fully. I no longer live in fear of the next flare-up. I have the tools, physicians, and support system to respond quickly and effectively. Even when I do have a flare up, it’s typically very short lived and much more manageable than it used to be. I remain engaged in my ongoing wellness, with booster sessions as needed, to maintain the gains I’ve achieved.

Why This Path Was Worth It

It provided an alternative to a reliance on medications, offering a non-pharmacologic route to relief. It allowed me to explore safe, non-invasive options before heading down a more permanent, highly invasive path such as spinal cord stimulators or DRG implants. It connected me with a compassionate, experienced clinician who treated me as a person, not just a diagnosis. It empowered me to take an active role in my recovery, rather than passively waiting for a miracle.

If you’re navigating a similar journey, here are a few thoughts that helped me:

• Advocate for yourself: Seek second opinions and explore therapies with evidence supporting their use in CRPS.

• Research carefully: Not every therapy works for every person, but understanding options helps you make informed decisions.

• Build a supportive team: A clinician who listens and a network of friends or family can make a big difference during recovery.

• Focus on gradual gains: Recovery can be incremental. Celebrate small milestones as you work toward larger goals.

A Final Note of Gratitude

To Dr. Orlando and the team at Calmare LA who guided me through Calmare/Scrambler Therapy: thank you for your skill, your patience, and your commitment to my well-being. Your care has given me back my life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you’re seeking compassionate, experienced care for CRPS, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Calmare/Scrambler Therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan—and finding a clinician who understands that healing is both medical and personal.

Share Your Story

If you have a CRPS journey or have pursued Calmare/Scrambler Therapy, I’d love to hear from you. Your experiences can help others who are navigating similar paths. Feel free to reach out to scramblemypain@gmail.com.